Texas Rangers Blog

The Josh Hamilton Rumor of the Day

The first noteworthy rumor concerning free-agent outfielder Josh Hamilton popped up during the winter meetings on Monday.

Officials with two clubs said there are rumblings of Hamilton having a five-year offer on the table. Hamilton and his agent, Mike Moye, are in Nashville but are having interested teams come to them at a hotel away from the meetings.

Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said the club’s position with Hamilton remains the same. Hamilton and Moye will get back to the Rangers after determining the market for a 31-year-old center fielder who won the American League Most Valuable Player award in 2010.

Daniels could meet with Moye before the meetings end. Daniels said the club is not at the point where it cannot wait on Hamilton.

Daniels added that the club likes its outfield even if Hamilton departs and no additions are made. David Murphy and Nelson Cruz would be in the corners, with a combination of Craig Gentry, Leonys Martin, Engel Beltre and Leury Garcia in center.

“That’s a good outfield,” Daniels said. “We’re ready to roll with it, if need be.”

The inclusion of Garcia in the center-field pool came as something of a surprise. In five minor-league seasons, Garcia has played only four games in the outfield, all with Double-A Frisco this season. He has also appeared in the outfield with the Gigantes del Cibao of the Dominican Republic winter league.

“He and Beltre have to prove some things,” Daniels said. “But they are guys we feel could play a role, if they come to camp and earn it. Even if it’s not opening day, they could play a role if they earn it.”